Isaiah 36:9

Translations

Modern

For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?

Traditional

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master’s servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

Literal

And how can you turn back the faces of one among a governor of the least servants of my lord, and place your trust in Egypt for chariot and horsemen?

Latin

…et quomodo sustinebis faciem judicis unius loci ex servis domini mei minoribus? Quod si confidis in Ægypto, in quadrigis et in equitibus,

Original

Hebrew

English

For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?

Notes

Isaiah 36:4–22

The Assyrian chief of staff tried to use intimidation to negotiate a peaceful settlement. In his first speech (Isaiah 36:4–10), he correctly argued that Egypt could not rescue them but incorrectly accused Hezekiah of misplaced trust in the Lord.

Interestingly, the Assyrian did not view the contest as between the gods of Assyria and the Lord, but rather between Sennacherib (the great king) and the Lord.

Isaiah 36:1–39:8

Jerusalem’s rescue from King Sennacherib of Assyria is a main event in Isaiah 1–39. The Lord promised to save his people. He would remain present with Jerusalem (see 7:14). He would also keep a remnant, a small group who would survive (see study note on Isaiah 10:20).

Much of the land became empty and the population greatly reduced. This happened because Judah made a foolish alliance with Assyria (chapters 7–8). Even so, the Lord did not allow total defeat. He preserved his people through Hezekiah, a faithful king.

Hezekiah faced the same kind of test that King Ahaz had faced. It was a test of trust in the Lord. In chapter 36, the Assyrian officer repeats the word trust as he challenges the people. But Hezekiah had learned from the earlier warnings in chapters 13–35. At least at first, he trusted God and passed the test.

This story also appears in 2 Kings 18:13–20:19.

Theme notes and profiles

Assyria Hezekiah Isaiah Invasion Salvation in Isaiah Trusting God in Isaiah

Events

Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC

Related verses

Isaiah 10:8
“Are not all my commanders kings?” he says.
2 Kings 18:24
For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
Isaiah 31:3
But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.
Isaiah 36:6
Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.
Isaiah 30:2–5
They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.
Proverbs 21:31
A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.
Jeremiah 2:36
How impulsive you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria.
Deuteronomy 17:16
But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’
Isaiah 30:7
Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.
Isaiah 30:16–17
“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.
Isaiah 20:5
Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed.

Parallels

2 Kings 18:13–37 2 Chronicles 32:1–8

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Assyria, Assyrians Hezekiah Hilkiah History of Israel Inscriptions Isaiah, Book of Joah Kings, Books of First and Second Lachish Micah (Person) Rabshakeh

Isaiah 36:9

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